HUBBARD Council seeks police station bids

They plan a May 24 work session to discuss pending legislation. By PEGGY SINKOVICH VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF HUBBARD -- The city will soon be hiring contractors to build the new police station. During Monday's regular meeting, council voted to advertise for bids for the general construction, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning work, plumbing and electrical work for the new facility. "We are moving along and are on track," said Mayor Art Magee. "I'm glad we are going out for bid on this." The new building will be located off School Street, a block away from the current facility on Liberty Street. The building will include a workout area for officers, locker rooms, large evidence rooms and a secured area to bring in prisoners. Residents Rick Keenan and Foster Benton told council that they are pleased that action is being taken to build the new facility. "The police officers have had to work in poor conditions for a number of years, and they put up with a lot," Keenan said. In other matters, council passed first reading on legislation to borrow $1.6 million to construct, furnish and equip the new police station. The city is planning to borrow the money through the sale of bonds. Council will hold a work session May 24 to go over the legislation. Council also passed first reading on ordinances that would authorize the city to borrow $420,000 to rehabilitate the fire station; $1.7 million to construct curbs and sidewalks, install street signs and resurface roads; $950,000 to rehabilitate, renovate and improve the service center facilities and grounds; and $375,000 to pay the costs of reconstructing the West Liberty Street sanitary sewers. The ordinances have to pass two more readings before they take effect. sinkovich@vindy.com